Updated at 1:14 p.m., Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Minors caught with alcohol to lose driving privileges
Advertiser Staff
A new law that aims to crack down on underage drinking will take effect on Monday.Act 203, dubbed the "use and lose" law, will suspend the driving privileges of any person under age 21 who illegally purchases, possesses or consumes alcohol. The violator's driver's license will be suspended for at least 180 days.
If the individual is not licensed to drive, a judge would have the discretion to postpone eligibility to obtain a license for 180 days or until the person turns 17. In addition, all violators will be required to perform 75 hours of community service and undergo eight to 12 hours of alcohol education and counseling.
Thirty-six other states already have in place some form of a use-and-lose law.
"The 'use-and-lose' law makes it very clear to teens that if they drink, they will lose their driver's license and the freedom that comes with it," Lt. Gov. James R. "Duke" Aiona, Jr. said in a news release. He added, "The 'use-and-lose' law serves as a reminder to children and adults that underage drinking is unsafe and unhealthy, and will not be condoned in our community."
